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In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, school districts across the country have been trying to determine the best way to reopen (and stay open) safely for students, teachers, and staff. While there has not been a standard playbook that each community can follow, each state has created its own criteria to be adopted and customized by each school district to best fit their physical spaces’ needs in each school building. Many of these reopening strategies include mask-wearing, enhanced cleaning protocols, and enforcing social distancing. 

The North Andover Public Schools (NAPS) in North Andover, Massachusetts, created a comprehensive reopening strategy that includes all the essentials of creating a safe environment, including social distancing, screening, mask requirements, proactive community communication, and hand washing. In addition to opening doors and windows to improve ventilation, plus placing tents outside the schools for band and chorus, the school system also looked into how to make the air cleaner, researching portable air purifiers to support the CDC guidelines of adding extra layers of precaution.  

NAPS extensively researched air purifiers available on the market before learning of a local technology company called Celios, which had recently launched an air purification innovation. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. It is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1). Beyond the company’s local roots in Wakefield, MA, Celios’ CEO has personal ties to North Andover as he is a town resident with two children in the school system.  

Once they concluded their research, North Andover Public Schools chose to order and deploy 100 Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifiers because they firmly believe it is the best option available. Their focus for the units is in smaller, interior spaces that do not have the ability to open windows. Now the units, along with other precautions, have become critical to their efforts to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Kathleen Pease, RN and School Nurse for North Andover Middle School, explains why the G200 provides another mitigation measure in helping to manage the COVID-19 pandemic so that staff and students can return to the classroom: 

Are you interested in incorporating the Celios G200 into your school system? 
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Featured Image: The Celios G200 is in use at one of BostonbeaN's customer sites in the Boston area 

Since March, the majority of offices have elected to have employees work from home whenever possible. But for some industries, this isn’t a feasible alternative. And for others, work from home policies are beginning to shift into reopening policies. Employers have to consider ways of making their workspace as clean as possible to make employees feel comfortable while they’re at work. Beyond the employees in the office, what do these changes mean for companies that service our workspaces? 

Back to Work Means a New Business

Woburn-based company BostonbeaN provides breakroom snacks and coffee services to offices across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As offices closed and sent their employees to work from home, the company saw a need to pivot to meet its customers’ changing needs. In an effort to keep their own doors open and better provide for their customers, BostonbeaN decided to pivot its focus from coffee to cleaning supplies. And with this shift, a new division was born: BostoncleaN.

Now, offices are beginning to reopen, and it will be more important than ever to ensure employees feel confident and comfortable when returning to work. In addition to adhering to CDC or State requirements, employers can purchase supplemental measures for the benefit of their employees.  Specifically, BostonbeaN is now supplying companies with cleaning and protective equipment, including surgical and N95 masks, cleaning wipes, gloves, and even air purifiers.

BostoncleaN continues to be confident that adding supplemental air purifiers to an office space can play a significant role in helping employees feel more comfortable returning to work and being in the workplace. There is no doubt that any employee is looking to be reassured that their employers are taking every precaution they can to create a clean and productive work environment. 

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality 

As the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has evolved, so have BostoncleaN’s offerings. In March, they began by offering basic cleaning and protective equipment such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, touch-free dispensers, and more. With the increased emphasis on airborne transmission, the company recently evaluated multiple air purifiers to find the right one to augment its cleaning portfolio. 

While many companies are upgrading their HVAC systems in an effort to improve air quality, the CDC also recommends a supplementary filtering system. This is particularly important in rooms that may not have windows for airflow, such as private rooms, closed offices, or break rooms. 

In September, the company formally partnered with Celios to offer the G200 Advanced Air Purifier to its clients. The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (1) It is also up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. 

Taking the Guesswork Out of Clean Air

Beyond providing the initial air purifiers, BostoncleaN also services the devices by handling any air filter changes that may be needed. Just like there is never a concern if the break room will be fully stocked on Monday morning, employers can now be confident that their air purifiers will always be ready to go for when employees do return. 

Are you interested in incorporating the Celios G200 into your office space? 
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

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Did you know that particle size matters when it comes to air quality? Particles floating around in the air include allergens, pollen, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, and viruses, and can be harmful to a person’s health if they enter the lungs. Within this range of airborne particles, the smallest are defined as ultrafine particles, which are less than 100 nanometers (or 0.1 microns) in diameter and are typically the most abundant type of air pollution, especially indoors. 

While a typical air purifier can clean the air, these ultrafine particles are often too small to be effectively captured by HEPA standard air purifiers and other filters on the market today. For example, HEPA standards offer 99.97% filtration down to 300 nanometers, resulting in some of these smaller particles, such as viruses, slipping through the filters. 

How the G200 Can Help 

Designed for offices, healthcare facilities, and temporary residences like hotels and dormitories, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier can capture ultrafine particles down to 10 nanometers (or .01 micron) in size. Celios’ patented technology provides up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency. That’s up to 30 times smaller than HEPA standards and up to 3,000 times more efficient.

The G200’s next-generation patented 3-stage filtration process can also provide ultra-purified air that exceeds Class 1 cleanroom air quality standards in a portable air purifier that’s easy to use and maintain. The Core Filter captures ultrafine particulates down to 10 nanometers in size, delivering cleanroom-quality air without outgassing. At the same time, the Granulated Activated Carbon Filter is an oversized filter for adsorbing gases, VOCs, and odors, while the Pre Filter removes the larger air pollution particles, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

What Can the G200 Capture? 

With various particles that affect indoor air quality, below are some of the pollutants and viruses that the G200 can capture. 

For more information on the Celios G200, visit our blog to learn more about how the technology’s three filters work? 

(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.

The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.

People and businesses alike have felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one industry among those hit the hardest is restaurants. Many have been forced to close their doors permanently, while those that have been able to reopen have been hit with capacity limits or curfews or have been forced to pivot with a greater emphasis on ‘takeout.’ 

On top of state regulations, restaurants are also dealing with the reality that not everyone feels comfortable eating inside a restaurant right now. When choosing a restaurant for dine-in or supporting a local business with takeout, people look for precautions taken by restaurants, including adequate distancing between tables, disposable dishware, and air purification. Diners want to know that, when they walk into or sit inside at a restaurant, measures are being taken to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Like many restaurants, BuenoMalo, a southern-California style Mexican restaurant in Andover, Massachusetts, had to temporarily close its doors in March. When they were able to reopen a month later, owner Franco Lozano III decided that it was best for everyone if they only offered takeout. Once the weather started to get warmer, his patrons began to ask when the restaurant would be open for indoor dining again. At first, Franco wasn’t sure if he wanted to go down that road and was concerned about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission indoors. However, with so many customers expressing interest, Franco started to look into ways to improve air quality and surface cleanliness in the dining room—not just for guests but for himself and his staff. 

To start, he followed all recommended guidelines—arranging tables six feet apart, requiring staff and patrons to wear face masks, adding plexiglass barriers between tables, and increasing sanitation. Despite these changes, Franco still thought there was more to be done, especially when it came to improving indoor air quality. 

Franco looked at various air purifiers before deciding that the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier was the best choice for his restaurant. Specifically, Franco was impressed that the G200 is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standard filters and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. It is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1). 

Franco has noticed a difference in his diners since adding the G200 air purifiers. According to him, the optics of physically having an air purifier has really helped his business. It’s one of the first things people see when they enter the dining room, and they want to learn more about it. Not only that, but people have commented on how nice it is to have them in the restaurant near where they’re eating. 

Deciding to introduce an air purifier to his restaurant was largely to have cleaner air in the restaurant, but another part of it was for the comfort of his diners. Franco believes it gives diners peace of mind to see the restaurant employ measures to purify the air. He also believes that, for now, until things get back to a new “normal,” people expect to see this type of technology in places where dine-in is allowed. 

Free Consultation: Learn how you can incorporate the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier into your organization.
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

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Over the past year, the practice of Yoga has spiked in popularity as people have a newfound understanding of the importance of meditation for people’s well-being. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased stress and anxiety not only to individuals but also to the businesses trying to survive and navigate ever-changing guidelines for staying open. Because of this, health and fitness studios, especially those that rely on bringing people together, have been hit hard. 

As a small business owner, Stephanie Paolini of 3 Bridges Yoga knows firsthand how the pandemic has affected local fitness studios and people’s overall wellness. Despite being closed for the first few months of the pandemic, when the studio reopened in the summer of 2020, Stephanie knew cleanliness—something her studio already took seriously—was the key to help practitioners feel comfortable returning to classes. 

As a breath-based practice where visitors are typically barefoot, no matter how clean the studio is kept, the current pandemic takes the necessity for cleanliness to a new level, with new protocols being put in place. Stephanie wanted people to feel as comfortable as they possibly could when the studio reopened. Despite making masks mandatory and increasing the need for handwashing and sanitation, Stephanie kept asking herself what else she could be doing to ensure that people felt comfortable walking into the studio. 

With the studio reopened and COVID-19 cases on the rise, Stephanie wanted to implement additional measures to help mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the studio. After some careful consideration, she decided to introduce a Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier to the studio. The G200 is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. It is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1).

Since adding the G200, Stephanie has seen a positive response from not only her employees and instructors but also from her practitioners. She feels a sense of happiness knowing that with the addition of the G200, people are more comfortable and confident being in the studio. Stephanie understands that you can never ensure that everyone will be fully compliant, so she has been doing everything she can to help keep the studio clean. 

Much like with surface cleaning, cleaning the air of the studio with the G200 is something that she can control. According to Stephanie, adding the G200 has been part of taking responsibility for others’ wellbeing and believes cleaning the air is something like wearing "a mask for your business.” 

Free Consultation: Learn how you can incorporate the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier into your organization.
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

When stressed and unsure how to move forward, sometimes the act of making an important decision provides immediate ‘relief’ and a sense of accomplishment, and even confidence. 

The current COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy. Even with loosened public safety restrictions, businesses that rely on in-person interaction are struggling to remain open and provide a clean environment for customers and employees. 

Most people are aware that masks, social distancing, and handwashing are three fundamental proactive measures individuals and businesses can take to prevent infections and spread. But, for many business owners, these precautions are just a start. They want to do more to ensure their staff, and customers feel comfortable, but they struggle to decide what else they can do. 

Each day, many businesses face nearly impossible questions: Am I doing enough? What else can I do to provide peace of mind to my staff and customers?  How can I afford new measures while my business is so slow?

The Role That Indoor Air Quality Can Play  

Experts now understand that the SARS-VoV-2 virus can spread through airborne transmission, with the FDA acknowledging the role that certain air purification technologies can play in capturing the airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus. When speaking with many of Celios’ customers, we have heard that air quality investment provides much more than simply cleaner air. It brings forth an enormous sense of emotional confidence that they are doing all they can to provide a cleaner environment for all who enter their business.

For most businesses, success starts and ends with engaged and appreciative employees and happy, loyal customers. Making decisions to keep their environment as clean as possible requires thoughtful analysis, but it often results in a true sense of relief.

In late December 2020, the government passed the second pandemic relief bill totaling $900 billion, which reopens the Paycheck Protection Program, providing funding to small businesses that continue to struggle during the pandemic, especially in the face of renewed lockdowns (PPP Round Two).  Lawmakers followed scientists’ lead, authorizing billions of dollars to implement risk mitigation strategies among business owners.

In no uncertain terms, the program also recognizes the importance of clean air indoors. Small businesses that qualify for PPP Round Two funding will now be able to update existing HVAC systems or invest in ventilation systems and certain portable air purifiers to help employees and customers feel more comfortable when inside. 

If you are looking to do more to provide your employees and customers with clean air and have questions about air purification, we’d be happy to connect with you. 

Contact us, and we’ll help you find some relief by making a great decision.

Are you interested in incorporating the Celios G200 into your business or school?
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

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With the vaccine rollout accelerating and restrictions lifting, businesses are preparing for the ‘new normal.’ But during the COVID-19 pandemic, not everyone feels comfortable returning to work or entering a business. Business owners want to ensure employees and customers feel comfortable but find themselves having to rethink what defines a ‘clean’ environment.

As people return to their everyday routines, they want to feel assured that business owners are taking necessary precautions to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including providing a clean environment. With the pandemic putting a spotlight on the importance of indoor air quality, experts are advocating for proper ventilation indoors as a necessary measure to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 – including introducing outdoor air inside, equipping HVAC systems with better filters, and adding portable air purification devices - such as the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier. (1)

In a byline for Small Business Today Magazine, Celios CEO Brian Packard discusses what businesses can do to prepare for their “new normal” by touching upon how air purification can help instill confidence in employees and guests. Read the full article here. 

(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.

The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.

With re-openings in progress and indoor air quality front-of-mind, the Boston Business Journal recently spoke with Celios CEO Brian Packard to discuss how the Wakefield, MA-based company and its air purification technology are playing a role in keeping indoor air pure and clean. When Celios’ air purification technology was first being developed - well before the COVID-19 pandemic - the goal was to capture the smallest particles (down to 10 nanometers in size) - which is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. 

Now, various industries, including schools, restaurants, hotels, and fitness spaces, are using the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifiers as part of their reopening strategies to help people feel more comfortable spending time indoors. In addition to these verticals, Packard also discussed what the future looks like for the air purification company. 

With organizations recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus is airborne and can be carried by aerosols, the need for improved ventilation and air quality has been front and center. When it comes to air purifiers claiming the ability to capture the virus, the FDA requires manufacturers to demonstrate certain capabilities. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier is effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1) in accordance with the guidance provided by the FDA. To learn more about Celios, read the full article in the Boston Business Journal.

(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.

The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.